2WTK: The Right Way To Shovel Snow

When it comes to shoveling snow, you'll want to use a snow shovel. If you try and use a metal garden shovel, you'll likely damage your driveway.

Author:
Erica Stapleton

Published:
6:30 PM EST December 6, 2018

Updated:
6:33 PM EST December 6, 2018

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Not all shovels are created equal.

When it comes to shoveling snow, you'll want to use a snow shovel. If you try and use a metal garden shovel, you'll likely damage your driveway. The only good time to use a garden shovel in winter weather is to try and chip away ice.

If you're just trying to move snow, look for a snow shovel at your usual hardware store. They typically range from $15-$30. They usually have plastic or metallic heads (a different kind of metal than the garden shovel).

"Snow shovels generally come in two different styles," explains Tom Garcia with Southern Evergreen in Greensboro. "One is the straight shaft, the other one is a curved shaft. If you’ve got a choice if you don’t have one yet, the kind you want to get is the curved shaft and here’s why. When you go to use it, you don’t have to bend down as far so it’s easier on your back and that’s the best thing because that’s where injuries happen is in the back."

Garcia also explains you should push the snow instead of lifting and throwing it. When it comes to de-icing, he has some more tips.

"The way I look at it is you take the lead of the road crews," he explains. "If they’re starting to lay out material on the roads to keep it from freezing, you should do the same thing for your home."

Garcia says you have options when it comes to de-icing: rock salt and different variations of ice-melt. He even adds there are pet-friendly versions you can buy; just look for a paw print on the label.

"Bottom line is we want to get it out and we want to get it out before the snow or ice starts."